Traffic came to a standstill last night as flowers were laid near the spot where police officer Jeff Tooley lost his life a year ago.

PC Tooley's mother Veronica, brothers Chris and Russell, grandparents and other family members wept as they placed bouquets and a wreath in the form of the 30mph speed limit sign by a lamp post on Brighton Road, Shoreham.

A large number of floral tributes were also placed at the spot by people moved by his death.

The officer was mown down and killed by John Heaton while on duty at a speed check last year.

Overcome with grief, Mrs Tooley crouched on the floor and sobbed as she remembered her 26-year-old eldest son.

With the support of her family she stood and kissed a teddy dressed as a police officer which was tied to the post before moving back across the road.

Drivers were then allowed to continue their journeys and all moved slowly past, looking at the floral tributes.

Mrs Tooley said: "It's a day of mixed emotions - pride, sorrow and sadness.

"Sorrow when we look at all the floral tributes because it reminds us that Jeffrey lost his life because the speed sign was ignored and great sadness for all the other thousands of families of road crash victims who must be feeling the same way."

PC Tooley's brother, Russell, said: "I can't believe the anniversary has come round so quickly.

"It's a proud day when I see everybody here but it's also a day I never wanted or expected to see."

The many flowers had cards attached with messages including "missing you so very much", "thinking of you every day" and "always in our thoughts".

PC Tooley's colleagues from the traffic division at Shoreham Police Station where he was based also placed flowers at the spot.

Police vehicles blocked the busy seafront road while the tributes were laid and drivers waited patiently as the family paid their respects.

Heaton drove off and set fire to his van at Devil's Dyke. The 48-year-old was jailed for seven years after he admitted causing his death.

The Tooley family and the Argus are campaigning for tougher penalties for drivers convicted of causing death by dangerous driving.